For many runners, the bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon has been a “where were you when you heard” moment in the year that has passed since.  In the immediate aftermath, many marathoners fielded repeated questions from casual acquaintances and close friends and families alike, concerned for their safety if they were running, concerned for their safety even if they weren’t running, curious about details about which the runner in question may have had no additional information than the average person.   Runners may have even dealt with a lot of “could have been me; could have been my family” feelings.  In general, many of us spent a fair amount of time reflecting on the race, the events which led to its premature ending, and how to respond.

The events of last April 15, where three lost their lives and 170 were injured, struck a chord among many, whether they were familiar with the experience of running a marathon or not.  Late summer Boston qualifying event registrations swelled as athletes started training for a chance to hit a mark before the September entry date.  Athletes who may have never run a marathon or even a 5K before pledged to train and enter this year’s race.  Runners whose race was left incomplete by police road blocks vowed to prepare again in order to finish what they started.  “Boston Strong” iconography became immediately understood as the extra dose of motivation needed to accomplish any array of tough tasks.

With the 118^th running of the historic race only a few days away, the adrenaline is pumping through the collective veins of a race field ranging from Massachusetts native and American hope Shalane Flanagan down to the “run to finish” athletes in the third wave.  If your Patriot’s Day does not include the chance to join with these individuals as they strive for a national catharsis on behalf of all of us, what can you do to make a difference while the eyes of the world are turned to this bittersweet occasion?

Encourage others

Overcoming fear with courage has been a driving desire for many taking part in this year’s race.  For many of us, the fears that prevent us from getting out the door and starting down the road to a fitness goal are not nearly as sensational, but no less crippling in their ability to let inertia prevent us from moving forward.  Consider with whom you can partner to start toward a new goal by engaging in regular exercise. Make a point to come along side them with encouragement this week.

Donate

Marathons and charity drives go hand in hand these days, but if you are able and have been looking for a way to make a tangible difference, this race and those running it provide a group of people and causes who are likely some of the most highly motivated athletes to take on the fundraising challenge, including a lot of first timers.  Check out the list of official Boston marathon charities or scroll down your Facebook page.  Likely a runner you care about and believe in is working hard toward a big goal on Monday with others besides themselves in mind. Get behind them if you can!

Set your own new goal

Your training plans might not include Boston, or maybe the will was there, but the qualifier or time to train well was not.  Use the opportunity to consider what breakthrough you have been delaying and make some concrete plans toward getting past it.   Many have shown tremendous commitment and perseverance this year as they prepared for this particular race.  Let their stories inspire you to do something inspiring yourself!

Reflect, remember, and process

Running can often be our escape from the stresses of every day life. Depending on how close you were to the events of last April 15 or how shaken you were by the news, you may not have had the chance to be mindful of any grieving process you may have been going through, even if it feels a bit remote and true grieving is not the word you would use to describe how you processed your feelings about the tragedy.  Because we have some of the common experiences shared by those directly affected by the bombings, we would do well to make sure we haven’t glossed over any lingering doubts about future situations, talk it through with others equipped with helpful insight, and be conscious of our resolve to move forward confidently.

“Boston Strong” is a powerful phrase.  This week, consider how you can truly embody the spirit of the words and encourage others to do so with lasting, positive impact.

Did you update your iPhone app?  The new Runcoach release allows members to more easily manage goals, review historical data, and adjust training progress through our vVO₂
marker!

What is vVO₂ and how does it apply to me?

You may have come across this term in your Runcoach, Movecoach, or My Run Plan training.  vVO^₂ is the marker we use to determine your training paces. The little v is for velocity. VO₂ is the maximum amount of oxygen an individual’s body can use during intense aerobic exercise. Put together, vVO₂ means the meters per minute covered by the individual; essentially how fast you are running when you hit VO₂ effort.

But wait, there’s more! vVO₂ changes constantly. As your body becomes more efficient, your vVO₂ will increase. The heart gets stronger and can pump more blood, the running muscles become better developed and can handle more stress put on them, and your form improves due to repetition. This development of increased economy is what makes you faster! The more improvement you get in economy, the easier it will be to run further and faster with less effort.

So how can you apply this to your training? We do it for you! The algorithms used with Runcoach, Movecoach, and My Run Plan take into consideration your current fitness to start. As you progress, your plan will automatically update to match your improvements in economy (thus increasing your vVO₂) as you get faster by consistently following your training plan!

Tap here from your phone or go to the new "MANAGE" tab in the app to check it out.

Android update will come in April, don't think we forgot about you!

Like a lot of people, David has struggled for years with his weight.  Now, he plays ice hockey and is making a concerted effort to move more. He's lost 50 pounds.

"I can see the difference," he says,  "on the scale and in the mirror and in others' eyes."

In the Spotlight: Genentech

David Tesarowski

What prompted you to start working out? I've always struggled with my weight and have been on a roller coaster with diets and exercise regimens for decades. I've had one knee replaced and am about a year away from the second. Though active, I needed to do more to help with weight loss. Most importantly, my younger brother recently passed away from diabetes complications so my wife prompted me to make changes in my lifestyle so I don't have the same fate. Working out more was part of the equation. Being stronger would also help me with my other endevours! I've lost 50 pounds since our daughter's wedding in 2015, 30 since March!

What is the most rewarding part of moving more? Moving more is rewarding because I can see the difference on the scale and in the mirror and in others' eyes. Diet isn't the only answer. There are 2 parts of the equation for success. Eat less and move more.

What is the most challenging part of moving more and how do you get over it? Some of my colleagues look at me twice when I say I am going to the gym in the middle of the morning. I get over it by recognizing that our Wellness program is supportive. It doesn't matter when I do it in the day as long as I also get my work done, which I always do.

What advice would you give to other members of the Movecoach community? Start and keep at it!

Anything else you'd like to share about your experience? There really aren't any excuses. At least try and get 10000 steps in each day.

Just eight months after being diagnosed with Lymphoma, 61-year-old Kayla Munter  is training for the Aramco Half Marathon.   "Running has helped me realize that cancer can't take away who I am," she says. 

Name: Kayla Munter

Major milestone:  I completed my first half marathon at the age of 56 in 2013 with much better time of 2:10:57 thanks to Runcoach.

What is the secret to your success? Put everything you have into your training and stay on track, when race time comes you will be ready. Determination and hard work pays off.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? Right now I am training for the Aramco Half Marathon in January. My biggest obstacle is the fact I am 61 now and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in March of this year. After my first doctor's appointment I knew I had to get back to running so I could stay strong physically and mentally to beat cancer! Running has helped me realize that cancer can't take away who I am!

What is the most rewarding part of training? This training season has been hard because of my illness, but every time I complete a run even if I can't do as well as I did a few years ago, I have a feeling of accomplishment. I will complete this half marathon even if my time will never be better than it was in the past.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community? Stick to your running schedule. If you do, the race will be so much better. But you must also listen to your body. If your schedule has you running 9 miles and your body just can't go more than 8 miles, pay attention and stop. Maybe you are just tired that day. You want to push yourself, but not to the point of doing more harm than good.

Never stop moving and never give up no matter what life throws at you.  Runcoach has been absolutely great for me. I do not like to be on a group schedule, so this works perfect for me. I could never have done as well with my previou races without Runcoach.
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